Explore This Program

    Program Overview

    The Aspire Works Internship Program provides adults (ages 18+) on the autism spectrum or with a related social-cognitive profile the opportunity to gain meaningful, supported work experience in professional environments. The program focuses on identifying and developing each participant’s unique strengths, skills, and career interests. Aspire staff thoughtfully match interns with employer partners who provide valuable professional learning opportunities in fields such as business, technology, healthcare, education, and the arts.

    Internships run for 10–12 weeks, typically 10–40 hours per week, and may be offered in person, hybrid, or remote. Participants receive comprehensive support throughout the process, including:

    • Weekly group seminars (75 minutes virtually) focused on workplace communication, self-management, and professional growth
    • One-to-one career coaching to help set goals, process experiences, and build transferable job skills
    • On-site support from Aspire staff to assist with onboarding, adjustment, and communication with supervisors.

    The Aspire Works Internship Program emphasizes self-awareness, independence, and professional readiness, helping participants build confidence and prepare for long-term career success.


    Employment Readiness 

    For new applicants to the Aspire Works Internship Program, Aspire automatically enrolls you in an Employment Readiness program designed to help you prepare for your internship and future job opportunities.  Through personalized coaching and hands-on guidance, participants will:

    • Create a professional resume and cover letter
    • Practice structured interview preparation and company research
    • Strengthen professional communication and self-advocacy skills
    • Receive up to three hours of one-to-one support.

     

    Career Coaching:

    Aspire interns are mentored by our highly trained Career Coaches. Our Career Coaches help participants to integrate into their company placement and successfully navigate the workplace environment. Career Coaches additionally support the employer partner, through an initial workshop and ongoing consultation, sharing best practices and providing strategies specific to their intern.


    Internship Program Application Process:

    Applicants submit the following:

    • Online Application Form
    • Current resume
    • Optional documentation: Cover letter, 3 letters of recommendation, references.

     

    Placement Process:

    • An Aspire Career Coach will schedule an intake interview to meet the applicant and better understand their skills, strengths, areas of need, and goals.
    • New applicants are accepted into Employment Readiness Program and individualized coaching is provided to prepare candidates for internship placement and future employment.
    • Aspire begins the matching process by communicating with our Employer Partners.


    Internship Matching Process:

    • Aspire will match each participant with a job site based on their availability, location and transportation options, interests, skills, goals, and needs.
    • When matched, participants have the option to:
      • Accept or decline position
      • If declined, Aspire will seek a second appropriate match
      • If there is no appropriate match, applicant has the option to defer participation to the next internship session.


    Internship Placement:

    • Aspire Career Coach provides interview and onboarding support.
    • Once intern begins work placement, they will receive ongoing career coaching and attend weekly group seminars.

     

    *Please note that acceptance into the Internship program is not guaranteed as internship placements are accepted based on fit with employer and intern. For more information on the Aspire Works Internship Program, read our Frequently Asked Questions, or reach out to us at 781-860-1900 or mghaspire@mgb.org.

    Internship Scholarship 

    Aspire is thrilled to announce a new scholarship opportunity for applicants to the Aspire Works Internship Program. Each year, twenty scholarships of $1,000 each will be awarded to eligible Aspire internship candidates.

    Eligibility Requirements

    To be considered for this scholarship, applicants must demonstrate they have attended or are a graduate of one of the following institutions:
    • Bunker Hill Community College
    • Urban College of Boston
    • Massasoit Community College
    • Framingham State University
    • Middlesex Community College
    • Salem State University
    • North Shore Community College
    • Westfield State University
    • Roxbury Community College
    • Worcester State University
    Learn more about our scholarship opportunity here.

    Employer Partners

    Aspire has worked with over 60 employer partners in the Metro-Boston Area including Fidelity, The Broad, Liberty Mutual, Raytheon, Copart, Massachusetts General Hospital, Safelite AutoGlass, MFA, and Massachusetts Audubon. Our employer partners are motivated to develop a more neurodiverse workplace environment. Intern placement depends on each participant’s unique skillset, aptitude, personal goals as well as the unique needs of each employer. To read our Employer Partner frequently asked questions, follow this link.


    Employer Partner Program Benefits-     Aspire’s internship program offers flexible, 10-week placements across fall, spring, and summer cycles, with interns working 5–40 hours per week based on employer needs. Internships can be in person, hybrid, or remote, and candidates are accepted on a rolling basis. Aspire supports employers by editing job descriptions to be neurodiversity-affirming, sharing qualified resumes, and carefully matching interns based on skills and organizational fit. Comprehensive support includes interview prep, onboarding guidance, weekly manager consultations, and transition planning. Employers also have access to Aspire’s quarterly employee resource group and “Neurodiversity in the Workplace” training to promote workplace belonging.

    Intern Program Benefits - Aspire’s internship program supports adults 18+ on the autism spectrum with an Asperger profile or related social cognitive profile who are motivated to work independently and build technical and professional skills. Participants are assessed for interests, strengths, and fit, and receive personalized support including resume development, interview prep, onboarding assistance, and HR guidance. Weekly one-to-one consultations and didactic seminars help interns grow throughout the 10-week experience. Aspire also offers a robust transition planning process, end-of-program evaluations, and access to an exclusive continuing education video library. Families are supported through optional transition meetings and a dedicated caregiver support group.

    Download our brochure: Become an Employer Partner with Aspire.

    Testimonials

    WGBH
    Manager, MLA Digital Assets and Operations
    “Working with Aspire has helped us expand our institutional culture and challenge ourselves to grow along with our amazing interns. It’s been an incredibly rewarding experience and helped us build an environment where people of varied working styles can thrive. We’re excited to continue our partnership!”

    Copart
    General Manager, Copart, Billerica
    “Working with Aspire and their interns is a truly remarkable experience! Being able to provide on the job training for interns and seeing them grow is extremely valuable to the interns as well as our staff. We enjoy the opportunity to be a part of this program and encourage other to do the same.”

    Biogen
    University Programs Experience Lead
    "The MGH Aspire team has been instrumental in helping me achieve my organizational goals. Their expertise with neurodivergent students has empowered my hires to thrive, and their thoughtful presentations have helped reduce stigma year after year. With their support, I believe we can build a more inclusive workforce. Jack and the team are outstanding."